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Increased Theta and Alpha EEG Activity During Nondirective Meditation

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Check out this Knowledge Base article from StressTherapy Solutions: Increased Theta and Alpha EEG Activity During Nondirective Meditation.

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Study at a glance

Area
Anxiety & Stress
Study type
Controlled study
Authors
Lagopoulos J, Xu J, Rasmussen I, Vik A, Malhi GS, Eliassen CF, Arntsen IE, Sæther JG, Hollup S, Holen A, Davanger S, Ellingsen Ø
Journal
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Year
2009
Protocol
EEG during Acem nondirective meditation vs eyes-closed rest

Key findings

  • Theta power was significantly higher during meditation than rest, averaged across all regions
  • Theta was greater over frontal and temporal-central regions than posterior regions
  • Alpha power was also higher during meditation, and greater over posterior than frontal regions
  • Suggests nondirective meditation alters theta and alpha more than regular relaxation

DOI 10.1089/acm.2009.0113 → PubMed 19922249 →

This EEG study compared nondirective meditation (Acem meditation) with ordinary eyes-closed rest. Participants spent 20 minutes in their usual meditation and, in the same session after a 15-minute break, 20 minutes resting quietly. Theta and alpha power were both higher during meditation across the brain, with theta strongest over frontal and temporal-central areas and alpha strongest toward the back of the head. The authors conclude that nondirective meditation changes theta and alpha patterns more than simple relaxation, perhaps much like concentration or mindfulness methods.